Challenging: Should PHE be used or route to condensing water?

[thien2002]

We are currently using condensing water from our chiller to cool the building (flight similators) hydraulic system. Our Thermal Storage project called to add new PHE (Frame & Plate Heat Exchanger)to cool the same hydraulic system.

Problem:
1. If we are going to install new PHE, that means rearranging new piping to support with new PHE.
2. If we are using existing condensing water to cool the hydraulic system, the current system peak its condensing capacity so there is a chance to receive shortage of cooling.
3. We are happy with the PHE design, only problem, in about 1.5 year, this whole hydraulic system will no longer be in use in this building. Then we have to dismantle the piping and PHE, plus we have to maintain the PHE while it is in operation.

What do you think? Which is the best approach? Keep the design or to make a change order requesting to keep the original hydraulic cooling system with condensing water? What are your analysis as far as cost, efficiency, and/or design?

Thank you very much for reading.

 

[imok2]

It seems to me that the decision is or should be based on the company's pass performance. Question.. From pass performance does the company always do what it says it's gonna do? Can you take the 18 months to the bank? Will it end up 2/3 years?. Based on those questions ,If I even felt that this move would be prolonged, I would not hesitate to install the PHE. Also you mentioned the possibility of a shortage of cooling. Is reliability important to you. If you decide to do the PHE, look for ways simplify the piping. Can you use plastic or braded? Good luck

 

[thien2002]

Yes sir,

Cooling is very important in this application since our clients are the Air Force. This is cooling for the hydraulic system for the hydraulic supporting the flight simulators. But in about 2 years or less, the AF has the plan to get rid of these simulators.

Process-wide, I think to go with the proposed design since it won't cost us an arm & leg. I hope this won't effect us too much. Your idea is good though, I have to change it back from Metal Piping to Plastic. Thank you.

 

[lilliput1]

What is the purpose of the Thermal Storage System. How is it supposed to work? Where is heat stored & what are the sources. When are the various heat sources generated & when will the stored heat be used? What is are the temperatures of the various fluids (heat input side of the PHE) & what is the design operating temperature of the output loop heat (output side of PHE). How much heat does the flight simulator hyraulics give off?